20. The Kohathites must not enter and look at the holy things, even for a second. If they do, they will die.”
21. The Lord said to Moses,
22. “Count the Gershonites by families and family groups.
23. Count the men from 30 to 50 years old. Everyone has a job to do in the Meeting Tent.
24. “This is what the Gershonite family groups must do and what they must carry.
25. They must carry the pieces of cloth of the Holy Tent and Meeting Tent. They must also carry its covering and the covering made from fine leather. And they must carry the curtains for the entrance to the Meeting Tent.
26. They must carry the curtains of the courtyard that goes around the Holy Tent and the altar. They must carry the curtain for the entry to the courtyard and the ropes and all the things used with the curtains. They must do everything connected with these things.
27. Aaron and his sons are in charge of what the Gershonites do or carry. You tell them what they are responsible for carrying.
28. This is the work of the Gershonite family group at the Meeting Tent. Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest, will direct their work.
29. “Count the Merarite families and family groups.
30. Count the men from 30 to 50 years old. They will work at the Meeting Tent.
31. It is their job to carry the frame of the Meeting Tent, the crossbars, the posts and bases.
32. They must also carry the posts that go around the courtyard. They must carry the bases, tent pegs and ropes. And they must carry everything that is used with the poles around the courtyard. Tell each man exactly what to carry.
33. This is the work the Merarites will do for the Meeting Tent. Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest, will direct their work.”